City in northern Iran with 230,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate). It is the capital of the Mazandaran Province with 2.8 million inhabitants (2005 estimate) and an area of 23,833 km².The economy is based upon the production of bricks, mosaics, woven cloth and jute, ginned cotton, carpets, milled rice, alcoholic beverages, canned meat and other food products.Sari is connected with railway with Gorgan, and road to Babol, Nowshahr, Shahsavar and Amol.The population of Sari is mixed, of Mazandaranis, Persians, Gilakis, Turks, Kurds, Bangashis, Afghans and Turkomans.Landmarks include a ruined 18th centuryt palace of Agha Mohammad Khan and the 15th century tombs of the Muslim leaders Yahya and Zayn al-Abedin.

HistoryBetween 3rd and 5th century CE: Founded as a regional capital in the Sasanian Empire.7th century: Becomes capital of Tabarestan.9th century: Loses its regional importance.12th century: Ravaged by the Mongols.Late 18th century: Becomes the capital of the Qajar dynasty, ruled by Agha Mohammad Khan. This would last for only about 20 years.